Harford County Community Services Joins the Voices of Recovery; Education on Substance Abuse, Treatment & Recovery

Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out is the theme for the 2014 Recovery Month celebration in September. It encourages people to openly discuss mental and substance abuse disorders and the reality of recovery. For 25 years, Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders.

In 2014, Recovery Month will spread the message that behavioral health is essential to health; educate Americans about how people in recovery can achieve healthy lifestyles; guide the community in providing support and encouragement; and celebrate people in long-term recovery.

In order to help more people enter a path of recovery, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Harford County Government, Office of Drug Control Policy and the Harford County Health Department, Addiction Services invite all citizens of Harford County to participate in the month long celebration.

“Substance use disorders are treatable,” said Joe Ryan, Manager of the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy. “We are determined to aggressively address the issues and educate our citizens, recognizing the essential need to combat misconceptions associated with addiction, treatment and recovery.”

Substance use and mental disorders can affect anyone, but prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. It is essential that the community understands that public awareness will increase access for those in need of essential substance use and mental health treatment and recovery support services, including behavioral health treatment. For more information, visit the Recovery Month website: www.recoverymonth.gov.

Local events taking place in Harford County, detailed event information can be found by liking us on Facebook | www.facebook.com/HCODCP:

Human Rope to Stop the Dope: September 27, 2014, 10-11am – This event is being held in memory of Alyssa Whelan and the many others who have tragically lost their lives due to drug addiction. Join us as we come together to raise awareness, celebrate recovery and link together to combat substance abuse and addictions in Harford County. Harford County Administration Building, 220 South Main St., Bel Air, MD.

For more information, please contact the Harford County Department of Community Services, Office of Drug Control Policy, at 410-638-3333, email odcp@harfordcountymd.gov, or Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HCODCP.